"Seeking professional and medical assistance"

My second child was born a little while ago. Our stay in the hospital was very different to that of my first born. I felt as though I was treated as though I knew what I was doing and was often told/suggested to ride it out when I sought professional assistance with feeding, attachment and reflux issues. Many nurses were helpful in listening to my concerns but often could not suggest any help. 

Recently it was discovered that my newborn has lip, tongue and buccal ties. I questioned and raised concern with the paediatric doctor doing their post-birth check at day 1, a maternal health nurse at checkups on two separate occasions as well as midwives whilst in hospital. I also saw a local GP who also was unskilled in assessing for ties. It was only after questioning it again with a different maternal health nurse (who acknowledged they had no formal training) that they believed there was a lip tie but didn’t know/wasn’t able to explain what my next step would be. I felt helpless, confused and alone, as I was only doing what any concerned parent would do, seek professional help for her and her baby. 

I sought help from my fellow mothers, as I was at the point of frustration at a complete lack of training or knowledge on such a common issue affecting feeding a baby and their mother (physically, mentally and emotionally). Thankfully we have found some answers and we now need to seek medical assistance from a specialist oral health therapist.

I strongly recommend that you train your hospital staff, including doctors, midwives and maternal nurses. I believe I’m not the only local mum whose child has had this missed/refused to be taken seriously when seeking assistance from professionals.